Dispensing device comprising a reservoir and attachment means provided with protected piercing means

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a device comprising an appliance, and a reservoir suitable for being removably connected to said appliance, said appliance comprising at least one piercing means and said reservoir comprising one pierceable means, said appliance comprising a releasable protecting means for preventing access to said piercing means when said reservoir is not connected to said appliance. The present invention is further directed to said appliance, and also to said reservoir. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the appliance comprises an actuation trigger to release said protecting means and give access to said piercing means, and said reservoir comprises a releasing means to cooperate with said actuation trigger in releasing said protecting means. Also preferably, said appliance and said reservoir are provided with cooperating securing means, so as to ensure that said reservoir is secured into said appliance, ones connected thereinto.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/577,416, filed May 22,2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,392.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a liquid dispensing device comprising aliquid dispensing appliance and a reservoir to be fitted thereinto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Spray devices are known for the purposes of domestic cleaning, forexample for cleaning hard surfaces such as windows, baths and ovens, aswell as for spot cleaning of floor coverings such as carpets. Most spraydevices which are commercially available are manually or electricallyoperated, that is to say that the devices comprise a pump which isactivated or operated by the consumer. Most commonly this activationgenerates liquid pressure in a chamber by means of a positivedeplacement pump by means of a positive deplacement pump which in turndrives the liquid from the chamber usually through a dispensing nozzle.Many dispensing patterns are possible, but a conical spray is the mostcommon. Usually, such spray devices comprise a reservoir filled with anactive composition, and a means to dispense the composition from withinsaid reservoir. The spray devices typically further comprise a basicfitment system to secure the reservoir onto the dispensing means, so asto establish a fluid communication between the two.

Some of these fitment systems comprise a needle that connects thedispensing means and the reservoir in a leak tight-manner, through apierceable member.

The following references are directed to devices comprising a reservoirand a dispensing means which are fitted to each other by means by aneedle/pierceable member:

D1 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,085) is a US patent to International MedicalConsultants, Inc. It discloses an automatic needle protector, especiallyfor use with a syringe. The needle protector comprises a cylinderslidably mounted via a spring onto the syringe. In normal position, thespring pushes the cylinder, which surrounds the needle. When a verticalpressure is applied onto the cylinder, and the cylinder slides down,giving access to the needle.

D2 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,486,163) is a US patent to Haynes Miller, Inc. Itdiscloses a shield for protecting the needle of a syringe, with anannular connector for connecting the two, and comprising at least oneprotective arm hingedly mounted upon the connector and pivotable betweena first protecting position, and a second open position.

After removing the reservoir from the appliance, the needle isaccessible by anyone who would put his hand into the appliance's recess.Such needles are typically very sharp, and likely to cause injury uponcontact, more particularly if some dispensed product remains on it. Thisis the case for any type of user, but especially in the case ofchildren. Indeed, it has been shown that children are very curious andwhile playing, they tend to put their hands into the recess of thedispensing appliance.

Therefore, such appliances should comprise a protecting means that islocked in a position to prevent access to the needles, unless areservoir suitable for use with said appliance is inserted thereinto.Thus there is a need for a reservoir suitable for use with a dispensingappliance, said dispensing appliance comprising a piercing means topierce a pierceable means of said reservoir so as to establish a fluidcommunication between said reservoir and said appliance, said appliancefurther comprising a protecting means releasably locked in a position soas to prevent access to said piercing means, said reservoir comprisingmeans to unlock said protecting means when said reservoir is insertedinto said appliance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a device comprising an appliance,and a reservoir suitable for being removably connected to saidappliance, said appliance comprising at least one piercing means andsaid reservoir comprising one pierceable means, said appliancecomprising a releasable protecting means for preventing access to saidpiercing means when said reservoir is not connected to said appliance.The present invention is further directed to said appliance, and also tosaid reservoir.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the appliance comprises anactuation trigger to release said protecting means and give access tosaid piercing means, and said reservoir comprises a releasing means tocooperate with said actuation trigger in releasing said protectingmeans. Also preferably, said appliance and said reservoir are providedwith cooperating securing means, so as to ensure that said reservoir issecured into said appliance, once connected thereinto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be explained in detail with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A to 1C are schematic profile cut views showing one embodiment ofthe fitment means, with the reservoir respectively disconnected,partially connected and fully connected to the appliance.

FIGS. 2A to 2F showing different views of a reservoir according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 is a profile view of an appliance with reservoir fitted therein.

FIG. 4 is a back view showing the interior of the appliance. Noreservoir is inserted therein, so the slideable ring—also securing meansof the appliance in this embodiment—is visible.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Generalities

In the context of the present invention a device (1) is provided fordispensing a product onto a surface, preferably a cleaning product, morepreferably a cleaning product for treating carpets or other large fabriccoverings. Said device (1) comprises the combination of a reservoir (10)for containing a composition, preferably a liquid cleaning product, withan appliance for dispensing the product. Any type of device comprising adispensing appliance and a reservoir can use a fitment as hereafterdescribed, in order to establish a fluid communication between saidreservoir and said dispensing appliance. However, in the rest of thepresent description, and for clarity purposes, one embodiment of adispensing appliance (11) is described in more detail, which preferablycomprises a housing, a spraying arm (12), and a means for conductingproduct from the reservoir (10) to the spraying arm.

Preferably, the dispensing appliance (11) comprises a manually orelectrically driven pump. More preferably, said dispensing appliance(11) comprises an electrically driven pump which is used to pump productfrom the reservoir (10) through the spraying arm and out of the productdispensing opening (or openings) located in the spraying arm, to thesurface to be treated. In this way, the dispensing appliance (11)connected to a reservoir (10) constitutes an electrical spraying device(1), as shown for example in FIG. 5. The product dispensing openings arepreferably nozzles which are selected so that the sprayed product takesthe form of a continuous stream or film, or of a discontinuous stream orfilm of fine particles, or of a mist, or of a foam. It is most preferredthat the spray pattern is in the form of fine particles because this isthe most efficient way to cover a large surface area with a small volumeof product with an even coverage. Typically the product output is fromabout 20 ml/minute to about 400 ml/minute, and preferably from about 150ml/minute to about 250 ml/minute, the product being typically suitablefor carpet cleaning. Devices which can use a fitment according to thepresent invention are for example devices for spraying householdcleaning or laundry products, or perfumes. In a preferred embodiment,such devices are used for dispensing a cleaning solution for cleaningsurfaces such as fabrics, carpets, floors, and ceilings.

It is preferred that the spray arm (12) has one nozzle (13), but it mayalso have multiple nozzles located along its length. The spray arm (12)makes it easier to control where the cleaning product is sprayed. Forexample, when cleaning carpets the spray arm (12) makes it easier toavoid spraying product onto furniture and walls, and also enables accessinto corners which would otherwise be difficult to reach. Furthermore,an ergonomically designed spray arm (12) avoids the need for the user tohave a bent back when spraying. The spray arm (12) is preferablyextendible and/or detachable from the dispensing means housing.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the means for conducting theproduct from the reservoir (10) through the spray arm (12) to theproduct dispensing opening comprises an electrically driven pump. Theelectrically driven pump may be, for example, a gear pump, an impellerpump, a piston pump, a screw pump, a peristaltic pump, a diaphragm pump,or any other miniature pump. In one embodiment the pump is a gear pumpwith a typical speed between 6000 and 12000 rpm.

The electrically driven pump must be driven by a means such as anelectric motor. The electric motor typically produces a torque between 1and 50 mN.m. The electric motor must, in turn be provided with a powersource. The power source may be either mains electricity (optionally viatransformer), or it may be a throw-away battery, or rechargeablebattery. Most preferred are one or more AA rechargeable or disposablebatteries, the batteries being housed in the package. The voltage outputof the battery is typically between 1.5 and 12 Volts, with a preferredoutput between 3 and 6V.

In one embodiment, the pump is designed to be reversible, so that it candispense liquid from the reservoir (10), and suck liquid from a surface,or only from the pipes of the dispensing appliance (11), back into thesame or preferably another reservoir (10). Typically, only small amountsof liquid can be sucked back from a surface, and such a reversible pumpis not intended to replace the use of a vacuum cleaner. Several ways ofinverting the rotation of the pump can be used. In one example, the pumpand motor are linked to a timer and an electronic circuit, such thatafter a defined time (e.g. 15 seconds) the motor is not used, itautomatically starts again, and its rotation side is reversed. As aresult, the remaining product in the tubing and the extension of thedispensing appliance (11) is sucked back into the reservoir (10). As aconsequence when replacing a product by another one, it is easy tochange the product without mixing new and old products. For example, theconsumer can use the dispensing appliance (11) for dispensing a firsttype of composition, then wait for the pump to suck back said firstcomposition from the pipes, and then change the reservoir (10) or itscontents to dispense a second composition without mixing of the twocompositions inside the pipes.

The device (1) is preferably hand-held, and therefore preferablycomprises a holding means, which is more preferably integrated to thehousing of the dispensing appliance (11). The holding means may be anysort of handle (18) which will allow the user to pick up the device (1)and to carry it to the place where the spraying is to be carried out.The handle (18) can be part of the reservoir (10) or of the housing ofthe dispensing appliance (11). It is likely that the device (1) will becarried around a whole room when a carpet is being cleaned, and/or willbe manipulated in all directions during use. The handle (18) may be asimple protrusion or indentation which may be gripped by the user, or itmay be a more sophisticated design for ergonomic reasons.

In one alternative embodiment, the housing of the dispensing appliance(11) to be used in the context of the present invention comprises ameans allowing the user to carry it without using hands. In a firstexample, the housing comprises a clip which allows the user to hang saidhousing to a belt. In another example, the housing comprises at leastone shoulder strap which allows to carry said housing on theshoulder/back. Other such means may be applied which allow the user touse both hands for other tasks.

At least one reservoir (10) is provided, that is suitable for beingremovably connected to said appliance (11), and which can be of any typecapable of containing a product under liquid form—by liquid it is meantto include embodiments when the product comprises a solid and a solventfor progressively dissolving said solid. Also included are liquidscomprising small particles in suspension.

Said reservoir comprises a longitudinal axis, through the top and bottomend walls of said reservoir. For clarity purposes, the top end of thereservoir is defined as the end comprising the dispensing opening ofsaid reservoir.

Said reservoir (10) is preferably located into the housing of thedispensing appliance (11), and can be made out of any suitable material,such as metal, alloy, glass, but is preferably made out of plastic. Itcomprises at least one compartment comprising at least one composition.Also preferably, the reservoir is vented. This means that the reservoir(10) comprises a means for connection to the dispensing appliance (11),such that it provides fluid connection between the two and allows fluidto exit said reservoir into said dispensing appliance (11), but it alsoallows simultaneous admission of air back into the reservoir (10) tocompensate the loss of contents. Such a vented reservoir is clearlynecessary, especially in case the reservoir is rigid and its contents ispumped by an electrical pump in a continuous manner and/or is used overa long period without stopping the dispensing of contained product.Indeed, while the contents is being removed from the reservoir, the samevolume of gas or air needs to be replaced, otherwise, a depression iscreated which stops the pump after a while. Some alternative solutionscould be envisaged, such as for example a reservoir made of twoportions, one rigid outer shell combined with a flexible collapsibleinner pouch, or a flexible pouch, with at leat one rigid portion, forexample the spout. In such a system, the inner pouch would progressivelycollapse during dispensing of the product, thus avoiding the need forreplacement of the dispensed contents by a gas, and thus avoiding theneed for a venting system. However, it has been found that suchalternative systems are technically difficult to manufacture, and areexpensive.

The reservoir (10) is fitted to the dispensing appliance (11) by meansof at least one piercing means (15) of the appliance—for example atleast one needle (15)—which punctures at least one pierceable means (14)of the reservoir. Preferably, said at least one needle (15) is locatedinto a recess of the appliance, into which said reservoir (10) isnormally placed during use, and said pierceable means (14) is locatedonto the reservoir (10).

In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing means comprises two needles:one is for dispensing of liquid from the reservoir, the other one is foradmission of air back into said reservoir, so as to ensure that the lossof contents in said reservoir is compensated. Such a connection systemensures that the reservoir is correctly vented, thus ensuring propercontinuous pumping and dispensing of its contents. But alternatively,the venting of the reservoir can be achieved by a one-way valve, or by aventing membrane.

The at least one reservoir (10) can be fixed into the housing of thedispensing appliance (11), and then, preferably comprises one opening,more preferably a reclosable opening. Alternatively, the at least onereservoir (10) can be removable from the housing of the dispensingappliance (11), so that it is replaceable when empty, or it can berefilled, for example with tap water.

In a first embodiment, the dispensing appliance (11) comprises onereservoir (10) with one compartment, comprising one or morecomposition(s), preferably one composition.

In a second embodiment, the dispensing appliance (11) comprises onereservoir (10) with at least two different compartments, each of whichcan comprise different compositions, for example non-misciblecompositions or two chemically reacting solutions which react oncemixed. Such a reservoir (10) is made for example by an extrusion blowingprocess.

In a third embodiment, the dispensing appliance (11) comprises at leasttwo separate reservoirs. These reservoirs can have different shapes, forexample they can be designed with complementary shapes. Alternatively,different reservoirs can be plugged into the dispensing appliance (11)at different locations. Said reservoirs can comprise one or morecompartments comprising same, but most preferably different products.

In a fourth embodiment, the dispensing appliance (11) comprises at leastone portion for connecting a resevoir (10) comprising a liquid such as asolvent or water, and at least one additional portion for connecting asmall cartridge of a concentrated composition, for example under liquid,gel or granulated form. At the time the consumer uses the dispensingappliance (11), the composition contained into the cartridge will bedissolved into the solvent or water, and the resultant active liquidcomposition will be dispensed through the spray nozzle (13).Alternatively, said cartridge is connected directly into one portion ofa reservoir (10). The cartridge can be for example screwed into anappropriate opening of the housing, or of the resevoir (10). Itcomprises a seal portion, such that when fully screwed, it sealablycloses said appropriate opening.

In all of the preceding embodiments, when the dispensing appliance (11)comprises more than one reservoir (10), the proportion of product pumpedcan differ from one reservoir (10) to another. For example, this isachieved by selecting pipes of different diameters for a reservoir (10)and another, or by adding a flow-control means to the pipes between onereservoir (10) and the pump.

In another embodiment, a kit is also provided which comprises thedispensing appliance (11) and at least one reservoir (10) comprising aproduct. Preferably, the kit comprises the dispensing appliance (11) anda set of several removable reservoirs, each comprising a differentproduct. The different products can be products for treating differentareas such as carpets, kitchen surfaces, bathroom surfaces, cars orelse.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, theneck (19) of the reservoir (10) is off-centered in the cross sectionalplan of said reservoir (10), relatively to the longitudinal axis of saidreservoir (10), and the reservoir (10) is non-cylindrical. This is bestshown in FIGS. 2A to 2F. Such a shape prevents the reservoir (10) frommoving laterally and/or rotationally into the dispensing means housing,especially during use, thus preventing leakage.

Appliance

Appliance needles:

In one preferred embodiment, the dispensing appliance (11) comprises ameans for conducting the product from the reservoir (10) through thespray arm (12), to the product dispensing opening from which saidproduct is dispensed. Said means for conducting the product is connectedto the reservoir (10) and to the spray arm (12), for example via pipes,which can be for example flexible plastic pipes, and more importantly,through a fitment system which is hereafter described in more detail.The means for conducting the product from the reservoir (10) to thespray arm (12) is preferably contained into the housing, as well as thepipes, if any.

As previously described, it is an essential feature of the presentinvention that the dispensing appliance (11) comprises a piercing meansthat fits respectively a corresponding pierceable means of the reservoir(10). Preferably, said dispensing appliance comprises a piercing meanswhich fits into a corresponding pierceable means of the reservoir. Morepreferably, said piercing means of the dispensing appliance is achievedby at least one needle (15), which fits with a pierceable means of thereservoir (10), as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C. Also more preferably, thepierceable means of the reservoir is integrated to a cap that closessaid reservoir. Even more preferably, said pierceable means is anelastomeric membrane (or septum) and the appliance comprises twoneedles, one being connected to the pumping means, the other onecomprising a one-way valve or venting membrane for letting air enter thereservoir (10) while the contents is removed therefrom, thus playing therole of a venting system.

Alternatively, said piercing means is located onto the reservoir, andsaid pierceable means is located into the appliance. In the rest of thepresent description, only the preferred embodiment featuring theneedle(s) onto the appliance and the pierceable means onto the reservoirwill be further discussed, but this should not be taken as a restrictionto the scope of the present invention.

At first use, when the consumer inserts the reservoir (10) into thedispensing appliance (11), the elastomeric membrane (14) is pierced, asshown in FIG. 1C, so as to establish a leak-tight fluid communicationbetween the interior of said reservoir (10) and the dispensing appliance(11). Then, the reservoir's contents is pumped through one needle (15),to the pump, up to the spray arm's nozzles, and is dispensed to thesurface to treat. This provides a device wherein the operation ofplugging/unplugging the reservoir from the housing of the dispensingmeans in order to establish a fluid, but leak-tight, communicationbetween the two is very easy and obvious to the consumer. It alsoprovides a fitment which is not very complex (needle and elastomericmembrane) and thus quite cheap to produce.

The at least on needle (15) which is used for the present invention mayhave several shapes or constitutive materials such as stainless steel,tantalum, zirconium . . . etc., but preferably, it is made out of metalstainless steel 304 or similar stainless steel. More preferably it hasan outside diameter comprised within the range of 0.7 to 7 mm, and morepreferably an outside diameter comprised within the range of 0.7 to 2.5mm. Also preferably, it has an internal diameter comprised within therange of 0.5 to 2 mm, and even more preferably, an inside diametercomprised within the range of 0.5 to 1.5 mm. In case said at least oneneedle is a bevel-edged needle, it preferably has a tip angle comprisedwithin the range of 15° to 30°, and even more preferably, said needle(15) has a tip angle of 21°. However, other shapes for a needle can beused.

It has been found that bevel-edged needles may be at least partiallyobstructed by a portion of the membrane, which may render the appliancenon-functional. This is due to the fact that the heel of the needle'sbevel is very sharp, and at the time the needle is inserted into themembrane, said sharp heel may poke out a little portion of the membrane,which then slides into the needle's channel, leading to obstruction ofsaid channel. One solution to avoid that problem is to use a non-coringneedle, which is defined as a needle that is designed and manufacturedsuch that it cannot poke out a portion of the material wherein saidneedle is inserted. There are different types of non-coring needles. Forexample, it can be achieved by sand-blasting the heel of the bevel, soas to erode it, until it loses its sharpness. Alternatively, the needlecan be shaped like a pencil tip, with its hole located on a lateral sideof the needle, and not on the tip itself, so that no beveled sharp edgescan cut and detach a portion of the pierceable material. Alternatively,the needle's tip can be in the shape of a scalpel blade, with the holelocated on a lateral side of the needle, not on the blade itself, sothat no beveled sharp edge can be cut and detach a portion of thepierceable material. Such non-coring needles are known in the art, andthe skilled person may appropriately chose the right shape and size fora needle, to meet the purpose of the present invention.

Appliance protecting plate:

As hereafter described in more detail, it is an essential feature of theappliance to be used in the context of the present invention that thepiercing means, i.e. preferably the needles (15) which are mounted ontothe appliance (11) are protected from access by a consumer by aprotecting means, for example by a spring loaded protecting plate (20)which prevents access to said needles (15) when the appliance containsno reservoir (10), and which frees the access to the needles (15)whenever a reservoir (10) is fully inserted into said appliance (11).

Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the protecting means (20) is amovable protecting plate (20). More preferably, said protecting plate(20) comprises a recess (22) in the shape of the reservoir's cap. Saidprotecting plate (20) is spring loaded, so that it automatically returnsto a position in which access to the needles (15) is prevented, wheneverthe reservoir (10) is removed from the appliance. Any type of spring canbe used, but preferably, the springs (27) are helicoidal springs (27),as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C. At the time the reservoir (10) is insertedinto the neck (19) of the appliance, its neck (19) and/or closure pushagainst said protecting plate (20) so that the needles (15) areaccessible, and can pierce the pierceable means (14) to establish afluid communication in a leak-tight manner between said reservoir (10)and said dispensing appliance (11).

Appliance actuation trigger

As already described above, said appliance (11) comprises a protectingplate (20) which prevents access to the appliance piercing means (15)unless said protecting plate (20) is released by inserting the reservoir(10) thereinto. When the reservoir is inserted, it activates a triggerthat releases said protecting plate (20), thus giving access to theneedles. Said releasing means of the appliance thus acts as an actuationtrigger (17).

It is highly beneficial to the present invention, that said actuationtrigger (17) also secure the reservoir in the appliance, said trigger ispreferably achieved by a slideable ring (17). In this preferredembodiment, when said reservoir (10) is inserted into said appliance(11), said reservoir (11) engages and slides said slideable ring (17),and thus, triggers the protecting plate (20) in released position,thereby exposing the needles (15) to the pierceable membrane (14) of thereservoir (10). Then, upon further insertion of the reservoir (10), thepierceable membrane (14) is pierced, and then the slideable ring (17)engages said recess (16) in said reservoir, thereby securing thereservoir in place in the appliance, now ready for use.

After use, the user pushes the button, disengaging the slideable ring(17) from the recess (16) of the reservoir, so that the reservoir (10)can be disengaged from the appliance (11). When the button is releasedand the reservoir (10) has been completely disengaged from the appliance(11), the slideable ring (17) returns to its rest position, therebyreleasing the protecting plate (20), which prevents access to theneedles (15) again. This can be achieved by various mechanicalstructures, one of them being shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C.

Appliance securing means:

It has been found that if the reservoir is secured (i.e. maintained)tightly inside the appliance, the risk of leakage between the two isreduced, or even eliminated. Therefore, the dispensing appliance (11) tobe used in the context of the present invention preferably comprises asecuring means (25) to secure said reservoir into said appliance. In apreferred embodiment, said securing means (25) comprises at least oneprotrusion (17) of the appliance to fit onto at least one correspondingrecess (16) of the reservoir, said reservoir (10) being releasablysecured in a leak-tight manner into the dispensing appliance (11) suchthat fluid communication between said reservoir (10) and said means isestablished, only when said protrusion(s) and recess(es) are fitted intoeach other, and said recess(es) (16) of said reservoir (10) havecomplementary shapes of said protrusion (17) of said dispensingappliance (11). Preferably, the dispensing means comprises at least oneprotrusion that fits into a corresponding and complementary recess ofthe reservoir, as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C. More preferably, saidprotrusion (17) of the appliance is achieved by a slideable ring (17),that is slidably mounted into the housing of said appliance, as shown inFIG. 4. While said reservoir is inserted into said appliance, oneportion of said reservoir located above said recess (16) of saidreservoir, first pushes against said slideable ring (17), and then, asthe user continues to insert said reservoir into said appliance, saidslideable ring (17) faces said recess (16) of said reservoir, andreturns to its initial position by fitting into said recess (16), andthus said reservoir is removably secured (or maintained) inside saidhousing of the appliance (11).

Also preferably, said recess(es) (16) of said reservoir (10) haveexactly complementary shapes of said protrusion (17) of said dispensingappliance (11). Indeed, it is preferred that all the contours of thereservoir fit all the contours of the recess of the dispensing means,thus providing enhanced maintain of said reservoir. However, the shapeof the reservoir may be such that it differs from the shape of thedispensing means' housing but still fits therein, such that a fluidconnection between the two is established. However, it will be easilyunderstood that the risk of leakage is enhanced in case all the contoursof the reservoir are not properly maintained by the contours of thedispensing means.

As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the locking mechanism (25) between thereservoir (10) and the dispensing appliance (11) is releasable. To thiseffect, the at least one protrusion (17) of the appliance (i.e.preferably a slideable ring (17) as herebefore described) is movable,such that it can be engaged/disengaged from the corresponding recess(es)(16) of the reservoir. This is preferably achieved by providing alocking mechanism (25) which is of the push-button type, press-buttontype, or any other suitable means for releasing the at least oneprotrusion from the at least one recess. More preferably, the lockingmechanism (25) is a push-button releasable locking mechanism (25). Itcomprises a movable protrusion (17) which is mounted with a spring means(27), for example an helicoidal metallic spring (27), or a plastic ormetallic spring blade. The protrusion (17) is connected to a pushbutton, which is accessible to the consumer from the outside of thedevice's housing. When the reservoir (10) is in place and locked intothe housing, the user can exert a push on the button, to release theprotrusion (17) from the reservoir's recess, and remove said reservoir(10) from the device (1).

The protrusion of the appliance, i.e. preferably a spring-loadedslideable ring (17), can have any shape, as long as it is able tocooperate with the shape of the recess. For example, in can be a simplepin, but it can also be a hook, or it can even have more complex shape,as door keys have.

Reservoir

Reservoir pierceable means:

After removing the reservoir (10) from the appliance, the user might bein a situation where a certain amount of product remains in saidreservoir (10), for example in case the user would like to temporarilyuse the dispensing appliance (11) for dispensing another type ofproduct. In this case, the remaining product may well leak through theopen pierceable means (14) of the reservoir (10), which is clearlyundesirable to the consumer. Also, during usage of the device (1), it isessential that the fitment between the reservoir (10) and the dispensingappliance (11) is leak-tight, so as to prevent that liquid can contactthe interior of the appliance. Indeed in some cases, said appliance iselectrical, so any leakage of liquid inside the electrical circuits maylead to damage to the appliance, or even to injuries to the user, whichis of course clearly undesirable.

In the following description, for clarity purposes, the sole embodimentwherein the pierceable means (14) of the reservoir (10) is a pierceablemembrane (14) will be discussed. However, this should not limit thescope of the present invention, since the pierceable means (14) mayalternatively be achieved in other ways. For example, the pierceablemeans (14) can be one portion of the reservoir's wall which is forexample molded integrally with said reservoir (10) by a co-injectionmolding process, also it can be a portion which is added to the walls ofthe reservoir (10) by means of gluing or welding process.

After the reservoir (10) has been in place within the appliance for onemonth or more, it has been shown that most known membranes stay in adeformed configuration, more particularly, they keep the form of theneedle (15) that was piercing through, in the shape of one or moreholes, which of course renders the container subject to leakage. Thisphenomenon is usually called setting-up and appears within a few weeksafter the needle (15) has been inserted. Surprisingly, it has been foundthat a pierceable membrane (14) as described hereafter providesexcellent leak-tightness once it is pierced by the needles (15) of theappliance. Moreover, it shows the very good advantage that, once thereservoir (10) is removed from said appliance, said membrane (14)recloses in such a way that setting-up, and thus leakage is prevented,even after the reservoir (10) has been in place within the appliance forone month or more. Such a membrane is preferred in the context of afitment according to the present invention.

This is achieved by making a membrane (14) which does not take a setafter having been pierced. It has been found that this effect can beachieved by making the membrane (14) out of at least one layer of one ormore material(s), including at least one layer of an elastomericmaterial. Preferably, the membrane (14) is made out of at least onelayer elastomeric material that will provide good reclosabilityproperties, that is to say, whenever the membrane (14) is pierced andeven though the piercing means (15) stays into the membrane (14) over along period of time, the elastomeric layer will prevent the membrane(14) from taking a set, and it will ensure that once the piercing means(15)—for example the needle (15)—is removed from the membrane (14), saidmembrane (14) will retrieve its initial—closed—shape, so as to preventleakage. Additional layers made out of different materials may be used,for example one layer of a material that is chemically resistant to thereservoir (10) contents may constitute the inner layer of the membrane(14). Alternatively, materials such as metal, plastic, aluminum, alloys,paper or cardboard, Teflon, or any other suitable material may be addedto the layer of elastomeric material, in any combination of layers.

In a first and preferred embodiment, the membrane (14) is made out ofone layer of silicon, which provides excellent material memory, as wellas good chemical resistance to the reservoir's contents.

In a second embodiment, the membrane (14) is made out of a combinationof silicon and an inert PET. Silicon provides excellent memory to thematerials, so that the membrane (14) will close back after having beenpierced, whereas inert PET provides chemical resistance to the productcontained inside the reservoir (10). In a most preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, the elastomeric membrane (14) is made out of twolayers: one inner layer out of inert PET, which comes in contact to theinside of the reservoir (10) and is especially meant to chemicallyresist to its contents, and an outer layer which is on contact with theatmosphere, and is made out of a silicon.

In both of the preceding embodiments, the thickness of the membrane (14)is an important parameter, and has an influence on the memory of thematerial. Preferably, the membrane (14) has a thickness less than 1 cm,more preferably, less then 6 mm, and even more preferably less than 4mm, all thicknesses being measured in the portion of the membrane (14)which is comprised in the middle portion of said membrane (14), i.e. inthe region which will be pierced (see FIG. 2).

The membrane (14) can have any suitable shape, but preferably it has acircular shape, with an overall diameter preferably comprised within therange of 0.5 to 5 cm, more preferably comprised within the range of 0.7to 2 cm, and even more preferably comprised within the range of 0.9 to1.1 cm. It has been shown that a ratio of 3.6 mm thickness in the middlepierceable portion, for 1 cm overall diameter, provides good memoryproperties for a one layer silicon membrane (14), and preventssetting-up in a very good manner.

As previously described, the pierceable membrane (14) may be part of theappliance, but preferably, it is part of the reservoir (10) or the cap(28) closing said reservoir (10), and in the most preferred embodimentof the present invention, said pierceable membrane (14) is attached tothe top portion of the cap (28). It must be attached in such a way thatit is very difficult to remove it without using a tool. It can bemechanically inserted by means of ribs that fit into grooves, as shownin FIG. 2, or it can be attached by some other means, such as forexample heat sealing, gluing, welding. It can also be co-injected in thesame injection mold, together with the cap itself which provides theadvantage of being cheap to produce. In case it is made out of siliconor similar elastomeric material, the membrane (14) can also becast-molded, and then UV-cured.

The cap can have any suitable shape, for example it can have a truncatedprofile. It can be screwed onto the neck (19) of the reservoir (10), forexample by means of one or several screw threads, but it can also besecured by any other suitable means, such as bayonet fitment means,clipping means, or similar. However, a device (1) using a fitmentaccording to the present invention is even better achieved if thereservoir (10) is equipped with a pierceable cap with silicon membrane(14), as previously described, wherein said cap can be secured onto theneck (19) of said reservoir (10), but cannot be removed. In such anembodiment, the reservoir (10) is difficult to open by children, becauseif the adult user needs to remove the reservoir (10) from the appliancewhen said reservoir (10) is not yet empty, the product contained insidesaid reservoir (10) cannot leak because the pierceable membrane (14)recloses upon removal of the reservoir (10), and the cap cannot even beremoved without using a tool and using a substantial amount of leverforce. This means that there is low chance for a kid to get in contactwith the composition contained inside. Such non-removable fitment can beachieved by any suitable means, such as for example screw threads withnon return triangular lugs, which allow screwing of the cap, but wherebyunscrewing is prevented.

Releasing means on reservoir:

As already described above, the dispensing appliance (11) comprises aprotecting plate (20) which prevents access to the appliance piercingmeans (15) unless said protecting plate (20) is released by insertingthe reservoir (10) thereinto. Therefore, it is an essential feature ofthe reservoir of the present invention that it comprises a releasingmeans (30) to release said protecting plate (20) when said reservoir(10) is inserted into said appliance (11), thus giving access to theneedles. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the releasing means(30) of the reservoir comprises a tapered end portion (30), preferablytop end portion of said reservoir that is capable of engaging andsliding the actuation trigger, i.e. slideable ring of the appliance.

Reservoir securing means:

It has been shown that devices which comprise the assembling of adispensing appliance and a reservoir, and which are subject to movementsin all directions during use, are subject to leakage between saidreservoir (10) and said dispensing appliance (11). This leads tospilling of product onto unexpected areas, which is clearly messy, andcan even be dangerous, depending on the nature of the product which isdispensed.

As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C and 2A to 2F, the reservoir (10) optionallycomprises a securing means, preferably a recess (16) which is preferablylocated near the top end of the reservoir, for example on the neck (19),or directly on the cap (28), or alternatively, the recess is constitutedby the difference of external diameter between the neck (19) of thebottle and the cap (28) itself. In the latter case, if the externaldiameter of the cap (28) is greater than the external diameter of thereservoir's neck (19), a recess is created at the time the cap issecured onto said neck. The dispensing appliance (11) comprises oneprotrusion, i.e. preferably a slideable ring, which is positioned suchthat when the at least one needle (15) of said dispensing appliance (11)has pierced the rubber septum (14) of the reservoir's cap (28), and afluid communication is established between the two, the protrusion (17)exactly fits into the recess (16). This construction is important sincethe reservoir is preferably manufactured with a blow-molding process.Thus, tolerances in the reservoir are not as precise as the tolerance ofa piece which is injection molded. There is a need for high accuracy inthe mating of the locking fitment system to prevent movement of thereservoir (10) within the dispensing means housing. This is highlycritical in the region of the connection between the needle (15) and theelastomeric membrane (14), where the risk of leakage is the highest. Itwas found that by minimizing the distance between the locking mechanism(25) and the membrane/needle fitment, the reservoir (10) is better heldin place into the housing, in the region of the membrane/needle fitment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A floor cleaning apparatus comprising: adispensing appliance comprising a handle and a nozzle; a reservoirfilled with a cleaning solution, said reservoir comprising an openingcovered with a pierceable member; a fitment comprising a piercing memberfor transferring a cleaning solution from said reservoir to said nozzle,a venting member for venting said reservoir and a spring loaded movableprotecting member for preventing access to said piercing member and saidventing member when said reservoir is not connected to said fitment,wherein said protecting member covers said piercing member and saidventing member when said piercing member and said venting member are notin use, wherein said spring loaded movable protecting member is movableunder manual force applied directly or indirectly thereto and whereinsaid cleaning solution flows within said piercing member when saidreservoir is attached to said fitment and when said piercing memberpierces said pierceable member; and a flexible tube for establishingfluid communication between said piercing member and said nozzle.
 2. Thecleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein said reservoir is substantiallyrigid.
 3. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein said appliancefurther comprises a housing for retaining said reservoir.
 4. Thecleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein said cleaning solution flows bygravity within said piercing member when said piercing member piercessaid pierceable member and said reservoir is inverted.
 5. The cleaningapparatus of claim 1 wherein said pierceable member is a membrane. 6.The cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein said piercing member is hollowand has an outside diameter comprised between 0.7 mm and 7 mm.
 7. Thecleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein said piercing member is hollow andhas an inside diameter comprised between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.
 8. Thecleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein said piercing member is hollow andcomprises a hole on its lateral side.